What would you buy next?

This isn't specifically a long gun question, but there's no 'general questions' forum, and it does deal with long guns some, so I'll ask here.

My wife and I have been shooting now for about six months. So far, we own a Browning Buckmark, a Springfield XDM 9mm, and a lever action .22LR Henry Golden Boy. We mostly shoot for fun, though we both appreciate the personal protection aspects of owning firearms.

So given our situation, what sort of gun would you buy next? Budget is not a huge issue. We can afford maybe $1000 every 3-4 months. I'm thinking about maybe getting something like an AR-15 eventually, and possibly a shotgun at some point (though at the moment I have nowhere I know of that I could shoot one). We've debated about whether we are getting concealed carry permits, but that's out of the question for close to a year, since we're moving in 3-4 months to another state, and you must be a resident for 6 months before you apply.

What would you suggest would be a good AR. Looking around here it seems like a lot of people build their own, but I'm not sure I want to try something quite that ambitious yet.

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The AR-15 rifles are more or less all the same, with the exception of a few makers. Nearly all are owned by freedom arms. (So I've been told) Bushmaster, Remington, DPMS. That being said, Armalite/Colt, Smith and Wesson and Ruger are not related. Personally, I am partial to Bushmaster, only because my dad bought one when I was a kid.

From what I hear, the DPMS sportical is a good budget starter AR-15.

Also, you can't go wrong with an M1 Garand. A piece of history and a blast to shoot.

For a pistol, I have a 1911 .45 and 9mm because I wanted something that fired a NATO rouond for a side arm. My current battle rifle is a Ruger Mini-14, hoping to add an AR. My reach out and touch someone rifle is a Savage 10FCP .308. Anyway, those encompass my short list of recommendations?

Always nice to have a pellet rifle, and a .22LR bolt, lever, pump or semi-auto.

I have a fair selection of weapons, but I don't have an AR type yet. That would be my next weapon.

I too have a XD only Compact .40. Also a S&W Sigma in .40.
I have an 835 Mossberg with 20 in barrel w/ghost ring sights.
I have a 10/22 and Mark III.
And I have a Howa 1500 20in HB in 308 w/6x18x50 Nikon. I have actually hit a gallon milk jug at 700 yards. It's a blast to shoot. I can keep you at bay a ways out....

Since you brought up self-defense, one really must get a shotgun. Even though there might not be places for you to handle it, for the price it must be in the home. Though you must aim to some degree, I don't think they need the trigger time that other firearms may need to be effective.

If you go AR-15, 5.56x45mm is really the best round, and there is a LOT of information around here that will help you get the best value for your money (there is an AR-15 subforum).

Since you already have 9mm around your home, another option is a pistol-caliber carbine in 9mm, such as the Beretta CX4 Storm.

One last option I would suggest is adding a more powerful handgun round. The two best options, in my opinion is a revolver in .357 (S&W686) or a semi-auto in .45acp (1911 Government 5")

Obviously you and your wife have made some good choices with the Browning Buck Mark, The Springfield XD and the Henry. All top quality weapons. As far as the next selections a lot depends on that. For example what state are you moving to. Some are not friendly at all regarding the AR-15 Rifle. So that is one question we would ask you first! What State!
For home protection pistols if you train with them are good! Shotguns are also good. Another thing good about shotguns like the Remington 870 Standard Models or Magnums you can have the weapon for several applications just by changing barrels. For example I have a Remington 870 and three barrels. Short Barrel with Rifle Sights for defense and Deer Hunting using Slugs or 00 Buck, another 26" barrel for Bird Hunting and one 30" Full Choke barrel for Duck, Turkey and other game. Then there is the issue of proper training regarding recoil of just shooting the shotgun for fun. This can also be reduced by choosing a smaller caliber like 20 gauge for example.
The AR-15 Rifle some of the top quality rifles are Rock River Arms, Lewis Machine & Tool, Stag Arms, and some others. I prefer the Rock River due to all the items you get with the rifle as standard equipment not provided on others at the basic price. Like 2 Stage National Match Trigger, Star Selector Safety Switch, Rock River Hogue Rubber Pistol Grip, Front Side Sling Swivel, Fit Receivers, 6 Position Collapsible Stock as used on the DEA and FBI contract rifles, guaranteed accuracy, Ltd. Lifetime Guarantee. Then do you want a tactical style rifle or a Varmint Target Model. For example if you and your wife find a club or place to shoot it, the Varmint Target Models are a blast to see how much accuracy you each can achieve with say three or five shot groups. Very addicting as well as rewarding. This is just a few thoughts regarding your tough question. Have fun and I am sure you both will make a good decision based on your original selections. Oh and 223/5.56 Ammunition is easy to come by for the AR-15 Rifles. GOOD LUCK!

An AR15 for home Defense, seriously! Shoot an intruder and your Neighbor w/ 1 shot. I use a 10mm 1911a1 w/ 180gr Speer gold dots and a Mossberg 500 w/ a 20" barrel #4 shot. I can kill a Coyote at 30 yards w/ #4 lead. An intruder at 15 feet will not do well and there is no over penetration. BTW, they would need to get past my 65lb Fox hound that flips out and kills anything that wanders in my yard, very territorial. If someone is that up close and personnal, cut them in half.